Chelsea skipper John Terry has insisted that the season's Premier League title race is down to three teams, which they would like to win by Christmas.
The Blues have been enjoying a remarkable season so far. Sunday's 1-0 victory over Manchester United has established a club record of 11 straight home wins.
"We lost the title last season because we didn't win our games against our main rivals and we drew too many times at home. So, I'm delighted, we've got the victories against Liverpool and Manchester United this time and also won all of our games at Stamford Bridge," The Sun quoted Terry, as saying.
"Beating United is a massive result for us. We stressed before the game how important it could be for us in the final reckoning. It's not the be-all and end-all at this stage of the season, but to have a five-point lead before December is a great cushion," he added.
The 28-year-old further said the way the Blues are performing this season, it gives him real confidence that they can win the title with a big lead.
"It's encouraging to know the two times we won the league title, we did it from the front. We got our noses ahead and led all the way. But we're not going to settle for just maintaining the five-point gap. We want to increase that lead. Being honest, I think the title race is now down to three clubs - ourselves, United and Arsenal," Terry said.
"Liverpool have slipped away a bit and it's going to be difficult for them to get back in the frame the way the top three are playing. But Arsenal are definitely contenders. They are looking good, playing free flowing football and scoring lots of goals. It will be interesting to see how they cope if they pick up injuries and lose key players," he added.
Chelsea would now play against Arsenal at the Emirates on November 29.
